Con"ti*nence (?), Con"ti*nen*cy (?), n. [F. continence, L. continentia. See Continent, and cf. Countenance.]
1.
Self-restraint; self-command.
He knew what to say; he knew also, when to leave off, -- a continence which is practiced by few writers.
Dryden.
2.
The restraint which a person imposes upon his desires and passions; the act or power of refraining from indulgence of the sexual appetite, esp. from unlawful indulgence; sometimes, moderation in sexual indulgence.
If they [the unmarried and widows] have not continency, let them marry.
1 Cor. vii. 9 (Rev. Ver. ).
Chastity is either abstinence or continence: abstinence is that of virgins or widows; continence, that of married persons.
Jer. Taylor.
3.
Uninterrupted course; continuity.
[Obs.]
Ayliffe.
© Webster 1913.